Minnesota Vikings (14-2) vs. Detroit Lions (14-2)
January 5, 2025 8:20 pm EDT
The Line: Detroit Lions -3; Over/Under: +52.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions meet Sunday in week 18 NFL action at Ford Field. Here’s a Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Prediction. This article will include a Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Pick.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview
The Minnesota Vikings recently beat the Bears, Seahawks and Packers. The Minnesota Vikings have won 4 straight road games. Sam Darnold is completing 68.1 percent of his passes for 4,153 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have combined for 2,354 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns, while TJ Hockenson has 39 receptions.
The Minnesota Vikings ground game is averaging 108.4 yards per contest, and Aaron Jones leads the way with 1,093 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, Minnesota is allowing 18.8 points and 331.8 yards per game. Blake Cashman leads the Minnesota Vikings with 104 tackles, Andrew Van Ginkel has 11.5 sacks and Byron Murphy Jr. has 6 interceptions.
Detroit Lions Betting Preview
The Detroit Lions recently lost to the Bills, while beating the Bears and 49ers. The Detroit Lions have won 5 of their last 6 home games. Jared Goff is completing 71.7 percent of his passes for 4,398 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams have combined for 2,153 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns, while Sam LaPorta has 53 receptions.
The Detroit Lions ground game is averaging 144.4 yards per contest, and Jahmyr Gibbs leads the way with 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns. Defensively, Detroit is allowing 20.8 points and 347.4 yards per game. Jack Campbell leads the Detroit Lions with 125 tackles, Alim McNeill has 3.5 sacks and Kerby Joseph has 9 interceptions.
Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Injury Report
The Vikings have three key players questionable, and that’s running back Aaron Jones, linebacker Pat Jones and cornerback Fabian Moreau. Both Jones’ are heading in a positive direction, according to coach Kevin O’Connell, and should play if there are no setbacks.
For the Lions, running back David Montgomery is likely going to remain sidelined. Offensive lineman Penei Sewell is dealing with a thumb injury, but he’s not expected to miss any time. It will be worth watching wide receiver Kalif Raymond, as he was a full participant in practice last week but didn’t play against the 49ers.
Why the Minnesota Vikings will win
- The Vikings have won each of their last nine games.
- The Lions have lost eight of their last 10 games when playing with a rest disadvantage against the Vikings.
- The Vikings have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games as underdogs following a win.
- The Lions have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five home games against NFC North opponents.
- The Vikings have scored the first touchdown in each of their last nine games as underdogs following a win.
- The Vikings have won the first half in each of their last six games as underdogs following a win.
- The Vikings have won the first quarter in each of their last four games as underdogs following a win.
Detroit Lions Player Prop Facts
- David Montgomery has recorded 70+ rushing and receiving yards in each of his last 10 appearances against NFC opponents.
- David Montgomery has recorded 20+ receiving yards in each of his last seven appearances following a win.
- Jahmyr Gibbs has scored at least one touchdown in each of the Lions’ last eight games as slight favorites (<-3.5 points).
- Jared Goff has recorded 257+ passing yards in each of the Lions’ last six games against the Vikings.
- Jahmyr Gibbs has recorded 69+ rushing yards in each of the Lions’ last seven games following a road win.
- Jared Goff has recorded 26+ completions in each of the Lions’ last four games with a total points line of at least 50.0.
- Heading into Week 18, Kerby Joseph ranks 1st in the NFL in interceptions (9) this season.
Minnesota Vikings Player Prop Facts
- Jordan Addison has scored at least one touchdown in each of the Vikings’ last five road games against NFC North opponents.
- Daniel Jones has recorded 217+ passing yards in five of his last six appearances with his team as an underdog against NFC North opponents.
- Cam Akers has recorded 15+ rushing yards in each of his last 13 appearances with his team as an underdog.
- Cam Akers has recorded 18+ rushing and receiving yards in each of his last 13 appearances with his team as an underdog.
- T.J. Hockenson has recorded 51+ receiving yards in each of his last 11 appearances with the Vikings as underdogs.
- Daniel Jones has recorded 21+ completions in eight of his nine previous appearances with his team as an underdog against NFC North opponents.
- Shaquill Griffin is just one away from 10 career interceptions.
Matchup/League Facts
- Heading into Week 18, the Lions rank 1st in the NFL in points per game (33.3) this season.
- Heading into Week 18, the Lions rank 1st in the NFL in punt return yards per game (28.5) this season.
- Heading into Week 18, the Vikings rank 1st in the NFL in interceptions (22) this season.
- Heading into Week 18, the Vikings rank 32nd in the NFL in kickoff return yards per game (21.3) this season.
Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Prediction
You can make a case for either side, as these are two legit contenders playing well and they’ve both covered 11 games. The Detroit Lions are simply getting the edge because they’re at home. I have to side with the Vikings and the free field goal. The Vikings have been underdogs three times this season, all three games in September, and they won all three games outright. The Vikings are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last 4 games. The Vikings are a top-10 team in scoring offense and scoring defense. I just have a hard to time turning down free points with a team this good.
A battle for the NFC North, it should be a good one regardless. I’m still getting points wherever I can get them.
